Vandalism shocks local families as police investigate hate symbols daubed in the popular park.
A children’s playground in Hackney was defaced with swastikas over the weekend, in a distressing incident that occurred just before the final day of Passover.
The offensive symbols were spray-painted across various areas in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington – including several stepping stones, a large rock, and a patch of sand.
Blue paint was also poured down a slide and across a trampoline, rendering both play structures unusable. The damage was first noticed by park visitors around midday on Sunday, 20 April.
Swastikas were painted on the rocks in the children’s playground in Clissold Park. According to @Clissoldpeople park management is aware, signs have been put up, and the specialist cleaning team has been informed. pic.twitter.com/JdJrdE8Wov
— Stokey Updates (@StokeyUpdates) April 20, 2025
Hate Crime Mars Community Celebration
The timing of the vandalism is particularly troubling, as it coincided with a significant day in the Jewish calendar.
The local Hasidic community in nearby Stamford Hill, which is one of the largest in Europe, was out in numbers to mark the end of Passover – a religious period commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. Additionally, the park was busy with families enjoying the Easter Sunday sunshine.
The Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, publicly condemned the act, calling it “abhorrent” and reiterating that hate has no place in the borough. In a post shared on Monday morning, she said, “Everyone should feel safe to play in Hackney.”
Cleanup Underway as Community Reacts
Hackney local Council dispatched a cleanup crew who worked tirelessly over two days to restore the play area. The park has now reopened and is safe for families to use once again.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, with many turning to social media to express their dismay.
One local commented: “This is quite scary and worrying. To target a children’s playground like this is absolutely disgusting.”
Another added: “Who would want to vandalise such a beautiful park? Are there any cameras? I hope the culprits are caught.”
A third person wrote: “It’s cowardly to do something like this in a place meant for kids. Probably done in the dead of night.”
The Metropolitan Police have been informed of the incident, and an investigation is ongoing. Hackney Council’s Parks Department has also been contacted for further details.
This hateful act has left many questioning the safety of public spaces and calling for enhanced security measures, including CCTV in playgrounds.
